A brief history of Mexicali
1925
Santos Gamez and Trini Amparano, having both recently immigrated from Mexico, meet at the Apostolic Assembly in Bakersfield, California and get married.
1932
Santos and Trini purchase a property at on 1016 S Baker St and begin their first business, a grocery store. Trini Gamez would be serving food made with recipes from her home state of Sonora, Mexico.
1941
The first Mexicali has its grand opening on June 28, 1941. It is located on Baker st and Eureka st, which still serves as the commissary kitchen today.
1946
During the rations of the post WWII era, Mexicali was forced to downsize and focus on their tortilla production. This lead to the creation of a full-scale tortilla factory, the first in Kern County.
1954
The second Mexicali opens on California and Chester Avenue. Formerly Norm's Steak House. The restaurant opened its doors October 29, 1954 and sat 200 people.
1957
The third Mexicali restaurant opened its doors on July 19, 1957. This one is located on 631 18th st, previously a "Drink-a-link". This is the only restaurant that remains today.
1978
Mexicali west opens on Stockdale rd and California st, a custom built restaurant inspired by the beautiful architecture of the California Missions.
1995
Niles street location closes, leaving Mexicali West, Mexicali Downtown and the commissary kitchen on Baker.
2018
In 2018 Mexicali West, an icon of Bakersfield, closes. Leaving just the 18th street location and the central kitchen on Baker st.
2025
Mexicali releases their first packaged products, providing their infamous Enchilada Sauce to go!
Follow us on instagram
